Hungary Adoption Program

The Hungarian adoption program is a pilot program for Adoption STAR, providing a wonderful adoption option for those interested in adopting a child or children from Eastern Europe.  Most children are over 24 months and sibling groups are possible.  We estimate that the process can take 1-2 years from application to completion.

For information on Hungary’s geography, history, language, climate, cuisine, children available, adoptive parent eligibility and travel requirements.

Who are the children available for adoption and how long does it take to adopt?

Children ages 4 and up are typically available for adoption, most are Gypsy children. Children age 8 and up are readily available and sibling groups of 3 or more very young children are often available. Assignments are made faster for these children than single younger children. Children reside in orphanages or foster homes. The process from assignment to adoption completion may take one year or longer. If in the future you chose to adopt a second time through Hungary, Hungary requires that the second child you adopt from be younger than the first adopted child as they do not like to disrupt the birth order. SZMM requires families to identify an age range that includes a minimum of age 8.

How is a child assigned to me?

Adoption STAR will contact you when they learn of an available child or children.

What are the advantages of adopting from Hungary?

Hungary is an affordable Eastern European adoption option. Hungary is a safe and beautiful country. Parents receive referrals before they travel to Hungary. Only one trip is required.

Is Hungary a a HAGUE Adoption Convention Country?

Yes

What is the process?

• Complete home study and form I-800A.






• Gather documents for your dossier and submit them to Adoption STAR for certification. (This step can be completed simultaneously with the home study.)
• Receive petition approval, which marks the beginning of the adoption process.
• Adoption STAR will receive the child referral.
• If you accept the referral, the Hungarian government will issue the appointment date.
• Prepare to travel to meet the child. Bring clothing and shoes with you for your child, as s/he may not have many when s/he leaves the orphanage/foster home.
• You will travel to Hungary and meet with the adoption attorney. The attorney will take you to all the required appointments, including the visit with the Hungarian authorities as needed. He will also help you get acquainted with your lodgings and the area in which you are staying.
• Prior to the court date, the Hungarian government requires both parents to meet with the child. You will, with the attorney, travel to the orphanage or foster home to have an initial visit with the child and then visit the child daily over approximately 7 days. If it appears like a positive placement plan, you will be approved to have the child stay with you. You will then bring your child back to your apartment/hotel in Hungary. During the next days and weeks, you will live with the child while receiving regular visits from the court-appointed social worker. S/he will write reports on her observations.
• You will stay in Hungary for 30 days and be with the child, typically in Budapest. The Hungarian government believes it is imperative for the child to form a bond with the parents before the adoption is finalized. During this time the Hungarian government also pays you a stipend that is approximately $1,000.00 U.S. Though the time period may seem long, making a life-long commitment to adopt the child truly makes this month commitment a very important time to ensure a bond is solidly formed. (Keep in mind most adoptions in other countries have up to six weeks required in country.) It is recommended to have the entire adoptive family (all household members) in country to form this bond. Families with children already in the home often use this time as a vacation to learn a different culture, a priceless experience. Though it is recommended, both parents are not required to stay the entire time.
• After the social worker makes the final visit, s/he will forward the recommendation to the commission. If the report is favorable, the final Adoption Decree will be prepared along with a new birth certificate and passport for your child.
• Finalization of the adoption, translation of documents and the Visa medical exam for U.S. immigration (you visit a doctor with the child) of the child are prepared.
• You will then go to the U.S. Embassy in Budapest to apply for your child’s visa. Passport and documentation period occurs in 4 to 10 days.
• Congratulations, your adoption is complete! The entire in country stay is estimated at 40 to 45 days of which you will have your adopted child with you for almost the entire period. This period is great to prepare the child for travel home and brings comfort to them and a time to adjust for all of you.
• Now you will return home with your new family!
• Hungary requires at least two post placement reports during the first year after adoption.

Looking for more information?

For more details about adoptions from Hungary please contact Adoption STAR You can also find updated information at the U.S. Department of State Intercountry Hungary adoption page.

The Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) Travelers’ Health Website is another good website to check out as it contains a wealth of information on health issues pertaining to international travel, including information on destination countries, recommendations regarding immunizations, and travel notices.

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is an important aspect of an international adoption. For more information on the agency, you can visit their website here.

In order to complete an international adoption there are several government forms that you will need to complete. These forms can be downloaded online:

- Form I-800A, Application for Determination of Suitability to Adopt a Child from a Convention Country

- Form I-800, Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee as an Immediate Relative

- Form I-864W

- Form DS-230

For questions about adoptions from Hague Convention countries, please call 1(877)424-8374 or send an email to NBC.Hague@dhs.gov. For questions about non-Hague adoption cases, please email NBC.Adoptions@dhs.gov.

Adoption STAR has created a glossary of adoption-related terms to help you on your adoption journey.

Are the children pictured on this page available for adoption?

No children whose photos appear on this website or on any Adoption STAR printed literature are available for adoption.